
Written by Suma rp
Pregnancy is a wonderful phase for each woman, and it’s a time when pregnant women receive lots of advice from grannies and mommies about how to take care of themselves during pregnancy. But, since the pandemic hit the world, it became annoyingly stressful for pregnant women. With almost zero support and staying away from families, COVID care during pregnancy has been a challenge, yet many brave moms sailed through it.
If you’re pregnant, you’ll definitely be concerned about the impact of COVID on you and your growing baby. Because you are more susceptible to catching infections during pregnancy. With all your concerns in mind, here’s everything you need to know.
In This Article
COVID-19 is a strain of SARS-COV-2 that causes respiratory complications and flu-like symptoms in people. Individuals experience moderate respiratory problems such as coughing, breathing, and more. The person infected with COVID remains contagious for 14 days.
Moreover, individuals suffering from COVID have to isolate themselves for 2 weeks until their symptoms disappear. Some people recover without special treatment, but patients need intense medical care in some severe cases.
This infectious disease spreads through direct contact with an infected person or droplets in the air. It can also spread by using clothes, furniture, and utensils with fomites and droplets. That is why governing bodies and W.H.O. provide guidelines to maintain distance from the infected individuals and wear masks to avoid COVID-19.
[Read : Is The Coronavirus Disease The Same As SARS]
Like general people, pregnant women are also susceptible to COVID. However, they are not at greater risk of catching COVID-19. During pregnancy, the immune system is altered and quickly responds whenever the body encounters any infection. Still, doctors suggest being extra careful during pregnancy and possibly staying away from crowded places to reduce the chances of getting a coronavirus infection.
COVID-19 doesn’t pass from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy. Because research conducted by NIH says that placental cells will not allow the virus to pass through them. Since pregnant women are at risk of getting hospitalized if they get COVID, which could be because of the altered immune system during pregnancy. Having severe COVID-19 during pregnancy can affect the baby’s development and can even lead to preterm and stillbirths.
However, in mild COVID cases during pregnancy, there is a possibility of the newborn getting infected after being close to the infected mother or caregiver. According to research, there were cases of newborn babies testing positive for COVID-19. The symptoms were mild and they recovered. Doctors emphasize creating isolated hospital care units for deliveries due to safety concerns.
The symptoms of COVID-19 during pregnancy are very similar to the other individual. Women who get COVID-19 during pregnancy may experience symptoms such as
Some pregnant women may have gastrointestinal symptoms such as
The symptoms may appear immediately or between 2-14 days after infection. If you’ve got any of these symptoms, immediately get a consultation from your gynecologist or doctor before it complicates.
[Read : What Is the Treatment for the Coronavirus Disease]
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, you must use sanitizer and masks and follow these basic principles to prevent yourself from the COVID-19 strain.
Here are a few things you need to follow for COVID care during pregnancy
In a nutshell, COVID-19, due to its contagious nature can affect billions of people worldwide, including newborns to aged persons. Though vaccines are available now, prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, women during pregnancy have to follow preventative strategies to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19. In case of doubt, consult your gynecologist promptly and follow the guidelines.
There is only limited information regarding miscarriage available if a woman tests positive for COVID-19. However, some complications may happen during pregnancy, but there is no increased risk of miscarriage during pregnancy if women get COVID-19.
Doctors recommend no special diet to prevent coronavirus infection. However, women are often advised to increase vitamin intake, micronutrients, and a protein-rich diet to improve the immune system, which helps build immunity against various infections.
If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, isolate yourself for at least 2 weeks. Consult with a doctor regularly and get proper treatment. The healthcare teams will monitor your condition and provide appropriate treatment. However, on a personal level, ensure a proper diet, use a mask, and follow frequent hand washing. Sanitize your area and the clothes you wear, and take proper rest.
Yes, it is safe to deliver babies in hospitals during COVID-19. Doctors and healthcare experts follow protocol and delivery areas are completely restricted from COVID-19 units. They care for newborns and mothers to avoid catching an infection in hospitals.
Read Also: COVID 19 In Babies: Symptoms and Prevention
Suma is a passionate content writer with a strong keenness to understand the miracle of pregnancy, birth, and parenting. Suma has successfully transitioned into a full-time content writer and a key contributor at Being The Parent. She leverages on her experimental background in chemistry and experience in writing to come up with well-researched content that helps parents struggling to deal with various medical conditions of their children.Read more.
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